Volume 4 • Issue No. 9 • DECEMBER 2020 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month ™©

with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, InNorton, Tostock, WetherdenTouch & Woolpit www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk

Outdoor Carols at St Andrew’s, Norton See page 13

Elmswell Village Carol Service See page 15

Image by Svetlana Sewell / www.landmstudio.co.uk 2 In Touch online: Published by: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP I can’t end this gruelling year without expressing how proud I am to live in this little corner of the planet where I’ve witnessed such remarkable generosity and reported on extraordinary achievements. I’m not ashamed to admit I EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins have been reduced to tears on several occasions. The speed at which people responded when the first lockdown T: 01473 400380 was accounced was astonishing. Groups formed almost overnight to provide practical assistance and emotional Send editorial copy to: support, not knowing for how long they would be needed or the extent of the need. We’ve done our best to assist [email protected] all the support groups, sharing information in print and online and promoting fundraising and food collection Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and schemes, but it’s the people on the ground, making it happen every day, taking calls into the night, checking in photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the on people who would otherwise be totally isolated who we must thank. While I hope we never have to deal with right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss. another crisis such as this, we’ve clearly proven we can and will step up to protect, care for and wrap a (social ADVERTISING distanced) loving arm around those in most need. T: 01473 400380 Yes, it has been a truly annus horribilis, but it is important to focus on what we have learned about society and E: [email protected] about ourselves. I hope you feel more secure now than before because now you know there are amazing people DISTRIBUTION in your local community who will respond when you ask for help. You simply have to ask! Isn’t it wonderfully Tree Martin: 01473 400380 reassuring to know that the true essence of community, a concept which many no longer believed in, is stronger E: [email protected] than ever. Place has meaning because it makes us part of something which is bigger and stronger than we are PRINTING alone and now we must ensure we not only retain the new connections we have formed but also work to ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 strengthen them. E: [email protected] We can do this by engaging more, by supporting and caring about where we live and doing our bit to support Disclaimer: and care for others. We also do this by supporting our local businesses, the very backbone of local community. The views expressed by contributors are not If we want access to the products and services our local businesses provide, we must support them now. And necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine they deserve our love as without them our towns and villages lose that which make them a viable, interesting and are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any unique place to live and raise our families. responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting Let’s show our love by resolving to shop local, and not just for Christmas, though wouldn’t it be wonderful to advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ present local gifts to friends and family this year, acknowledging in a very real way why our community is so very, editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the very important to us all. right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any I wish you good health and happiness for Christmas and the New Year but also send my written complaints. regards to those who have suffered ill health or the loss of a loved one in the last year. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. Merry Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. IN TOUCH NEWS © In Touch with & Stowupland is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd This month I’m focusing on our office supplies arm, Boswell Office Supplies. Boswell joined with Mansion House Group several years ago and it has been fascinating to get to know this highly competitive industry a little better. Jon and Mark are the resident experts and there’s nothing they don’t know about pens, folders, paper, screens, first aid kits, cleaning equipment, catering supplies…. well, it’s a long list but I’m sure you get the picture! However, you may be surprised to know that ‘office supplies’ also includes office furniture and we’re not just Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources talking about filing cabinets and storage units, though both are available. With so many people working remotely, Please recycle. the demand for aesthetically pleasing desks, flexible work units and comfortable chairs, Boswell has introduced IN TOUCH TITLES a new range of competitively priced home office furniture and seating which look good in any and every space. • Stowmarket & Stowupland Desks come in every shape and size and a vast range of colours and finishes too. I have my eye on a ‘mid-century • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew style compact desk in grand walnut finish and black accent panels and frame’. Sounds rather grand doesn’t it but • Melton & Woodbridge it’s quite a modern little desk so Jon, if you need me to test it for you, I’m happy to be your guinea pig! There’s a • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley lovely little black desk lamp on my wishlist too. • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon You can see and order the full range online and Boswell will deliver to your home address. The Boswell delivery van • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall is out and about five days a week, travelling throughout East Anglia to business premises and homes, so whether & Warren Heath it’s a one-off order for that special desk or badly needed ergonomic chair or something you need regularly, our • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, man in a van is happy to oblige. Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit The Boswell website site is a treat if you have a specific requirement (everything is carefully categorised so it’s •  & The Creetings easy to search) but Jon and Mark are also available on the phone if you need assistance or advice before placing • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, an order. Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham Boswell Office Supplies is basically a shop on wheels so don’t get caught out… and yes,that’s covered too! • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall KEEPING IN TOUCH We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe keepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanillamagazine.co.uk Friday 4 December Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillamagazine is the advertising and Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine editorial deadline for Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk the January edition www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 3 NEWS

VISITORS CAN SCRAP THE PAPER WITH NEW DIGITAL PARKING Thanks to the introduction of MiPermit, motorists parking in Babergh and Mid can now scrap their paper tickets and go digital, helping to protect their health and the environment. With around a million visits made to the council-owned car parks each year, 2020 INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS opting for MiPermit could save millions of pieces of paper going in the bin annually. The winners of the Babergh and District Council Innovations Awards were announced at a virtual ceremony. Cllr Elisabeth Malvisi, Cabinet Member for Environment at Babergh District Council, said: “Giving visitors choice when visiting and shopping in our key The awards recognised and celebrated organisations who are thinking towns and locations is really important. Introducing digital tickets means we outside the box and finding new ways to reach customers, becoming more can continue to improve our visitor offer as part of our wider town visions. sustainable or growing their business. Almost 30 businesses were shortlisted Reducing touchpoints is also an important part in aiding our Covid-19 in 11 categories in a range of sectors including food, retail, technology, and recovery.” customer service. Cllr Jessica Fleming, Cabinet Member for Environment at Mid Suffolk District The Shooting Star award for most innovative company was presented to Council, said: “We’ve made sure that everyone has easy access to pay for Stowmarket based Halo Service Solutions, while Challs International Ltd in parking when they drive to visit our town centres, including a digital option. Hadleigh was awarded Most Innovative SME. Our cash option will remain but MiPermit offers a digital and paperless One of the stars of the evening was Modece Architects Ltd in Stowmarket alternative, and we are looking at investing in contactless card payment in who received three awards on the night: Most Innovative Microbusiness, the future. Innovation in Sustainability and Innovation in Construction. “If you need to drive into one of our towns, please make sure you have a The Tomorrow’s World award for technology was presented to Acorn Bots Ltd valid ticket for your stay. Otherwise, if you can, we’d love to see more people from Fressingfield and the Innovation in Healthcare award winner was the choosing to walk or cycle into town and leaving their cars behind.” Personal Training Centre in Sudbury. Virtual tickets are available online, via the MiPermit app, by phone and by The Innovation in Customer Service award and High Street Innovation text both in advance and on the day – allowing visitors to choose an option awards were presented to West View IT Ltd (Stowmarket) and Ferguson’s to suit them. Deli (Hadleigh) respectively, while Yum Yum Tree Fudge based in Woolpit was Tickets and further information can be obtained via the councils MiPermit presented with the Future Food award. portal: https://secure.mipermit.com/bmsdc/application/home.aspx The Rising Star award, which recognised the regions young innovator aged Further electric vehicle charging points across the districts and upgrading car between 16-25, was presented jointly to Chloe Davis and Sophie Tapscott for park machines to include a card payment option continue to be explored. their work and commitment to supporting other young people at The Mix in Stowmarket. The event was originally planned as a black-tie event but with Covid-19 restrictions, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils decided to takean innovative approach and hold the awards virtually instead. The awards SAD NEWS FROM STOWMARKET ceremony was hosted by Paul Graham with the keynote speech delivered & DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPER by Thea Goodluck, Tech Nation’s East of Entrepreneur Engagement Manager. It is with sadness that we announce the closure of Newstalk after serving the Stowmarket area for 36 years. Cllr Michael Holt, Babergh District Council, cabinet member for economic growth said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners from our first Newstalk was set up by Stowmarket Rotary Club and the first issue Innovation Awards, especially in a year that has been so difficult for many was published in 1984. The aim was to provide a service of reading the businesses. The standard of entries was extremely high and demonstrates local news to those with sight deficiency. During this time it produced the incredible number of businesses we have in our district who are pushing over 1,000 issues of news and information with many interviews and the boundaries in their chosen field.” recorded reports of local events. Cllr Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council, cabinet member for Over those years local newspapers have changed and so too has economic growth said: “This has been an incredibly challenging year for the delivery of community information. Sight technology has also businesses, and we felt it was more important than ever to recognise improved and has affected the number of referrals received. business innovation even if we couldn’t host the event in person. I would like As with many other charities, the current Covid-19 situation has to thank all our sponsors and judges who have contributed to making our first brought to a head the fact that many of those who continue to publish Innovation Awards a success.” are over the age of 70 and have limited technical skills. This and the The winners of each award received a prize contributed by the category closure of the studio led us to conclude it was time to cease. sponsor made up of a combination of a cash grant as well as bespoke Following several unsuccessful attempts to fill various positions, the professional advice, support, or training. committee and trustees have reluctantly agreed to the closure with Sponsors of the 2020 Innovation Awards include Orbital Media, EO Charging, immediate effect. Larking Gowen, Scrutton Bland, the University of Suffolk, Central Suffolk We would take this opportunity to thank all who have supported this Chamber, Norse, Business Growth Coaches Network Ltd, Marshall Wolfe, small charity over its lifetime, Stowmarket Rotary Club, Stowmarket Omega Ingredients and Hudson Group. Lions, Stowmarket Town Council, MSDC and the many others who have The awards were judged by some of the leading names in innovation and made it possible for us to serve those in this community with sight loss. creativity in the county including Tim Robinson (TechEast), Justine Paul John Webb on behalf of the Committee and Trustees of Newstalk (Suffolk Market Events), Professor Gurpreet Jagpal (University of Suffolk) and Julian Munson (NALEP) as well as Babergh District councillor Michael Holt and Mid Suffolk District councillor Gerard Brewster. 4 In Touch online: advertorial Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 5 NEWS

FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan has finally reached the next & CHARITY SHOP stage. After debate at an extraordinary Council meeting on November 11, Mid Suffolk Councillors voted for it to be sent to the planning inspectorate. We are entering lockdown 2 as I write, a most unfortunate time for everyone Any member of the public can send comments on the local plan directly to and I am sure we all hope it will be as short as possible and have the desired the planning inspectorate, who will then review the plan and any comments effect. We would usually be preparing the Christmas version of our well- before making recommendations. known fundraising Chocolate Bingo, but it was not to be. We are still trying to be positive that the event will return sooner than later. The plan includes several new development control policies to help protect In the meantime, we are having a grand pre-Christmas sale at the charity the environment, as well as housing land allocations in larger settlements. Much of the development is planned along the A14 corridor so it was shop with everything at 50% of the marked price. Not an ‘up to 50%’ but with reluctance that that the Green and Liberal Democrat group members straight 50% off anything you buy. There are many new items in stock so it’s supported the plan. The deadline for comments to be sent to the planning an opportunity to grab some real bargains plus, of course, our usual large inspectorate is December 24. Once the planning inspectorate has made range of clothing for adults and children. The sale is due to start on December recommendations, the plan will return to the councils for formal adoption 4, or as soon as lockdown permits, and will run through to December 18. some time in 2021, however in the meantime it now carries more weight in I hope we can look forward to seeing you there. Take care, stay safe and best planning decisions. wish to all who support us. Mid Suffolk and Babergh have proposed some changes to the amount of Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 Community Infrastructure Levy to be paid by developers as well as altering the instalments policy. Community Infrastructure Levy funds are used to provide infrastructure necessary to support developments, such as health provision, libraries, schools, etc. Highway Infrastructure and affordable housing is funded WALKING WITH HENSLOW in a different manner by developers. The proposals, which are currently out How a small Suffolk village is linked to one of our greatest Britons for public consultation, aim to promote development on brownfield land over greenfield land and give incentives to smaller developers, as well as trying to The Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket, presents Darwin’s Mentor: keep up with inflation rates. Walking with Henslow, a new temporary exhibition celebrating the life of A Biodiversity Action Plan produced by a cross-party task force was adopted John Stevens Henslow, an inspirational teacher, skilled botanist and lifelong by MSDC Cabinet on November 9. The aim is to improve biodiversity in the friend and mentor of Charles Darwin. way that the council operates, through specific initiatives and partnership This must-see exhibition highlights the transformative power of education working. One such initiative is to plant 500 trees and a kilometre of hedging and the impact it can have on people’s lives. As well as being an influential during 2021/22. The task force will monitor the plan and look for initiatives lecturer and professor at Cambridge University, Henslow was Rector of for increasing biodiversity. the village of Hitcham, Suffolk from 1837-1861. He used this position and During this second Covid-19 lockdown the Home, but not Alone helpline his progressive teaching methods to educate and raise the aspirations of resumed. The telephone number is freephone 0800 876 6926 and will be the local community. At that time Hitcham was a large village with a poor staffed from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. This service compliments the reputation and it was an age of great discontent – arson was common. Suffolk Advice and Support Service phoneline (0800 068 3131) which helps Henslow’s obituary described his parishioners in the 1830s as ‘notorious for those with debt, benefits employment or housing worries. witchcraft, drunkenness, poaching, sheep-stealing, and immoral habits’. Two large outline planning applications in Elmswell have recently been to Henslow set up a school, village clubs and self-help societies. He held firework planning committee. An extension to the bacon factory site for a further 65 displays on the rectory lawn and took the villagers on trips to the coast, to new homes was approved. The applications for 86 new homes and a site for a Cambridge and to see the Great Exhibition. They were extremely popular – new pre-school on School Road was deferred by the committee as members enough that people did not mind having to walk the 7.5miles from Hitcham to wanted more detail about the proposed mitigation at the School Road/ the train station at Stowmarket. In Henslow’s words: “Everyone must contrive Church Road junction near St Peter’s Church as well as confirmation from SCC for himself how to get from Hitcham to Stowmarket, and back again. If he is Highways that the proposed road widening and cycle path could be created not able to persuade anyone to give him a lift, he must consent (as others without removing a large old oak tree. It is hoped that this application will be have done before) to wear out a little shoe leather.” determined in January. During his time in Hitcham, he installed two of the bells at All Saints Church. For Haughley, Old Newton, Stowupland and Wetherden The bells are in the process of being restored, putting his story back at the Rachel Eburne: 01449 673311 / [email protected] Keith Welham: 01449 673185 / [email protected] heart of the parish. The restoration of the bells and this co-curated exhibition has been made possible by support from lottery players, awarded through For Elmswell and Woolpit the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Councillor Helen Geake: 01359 241318 / [email protected] Councillor Sarah Mansel: 07860 829517 / [email protected] Henslow is famous for having secured the naturalist Charles Darwin his place on the voyage around the world onboard HMS Beagle, a trip that inspired his ground-breaking theory of evolution. As his biographers, Walters & Stow, STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB have put it, “Without Henslows there would be no Darwins”. As per government guidelines, we are still unable to have face-to-face Some of the villagers unwittingly contributed towards Darwin’s great work, meetings. However, we have a Zoom meeting on Monday 14 December when Origin of Species. Local girls enrolled in Henslow’s botany classes were paid to Julie Hutson ARPS DPAGB will judge the wildlife competition. collect seeds that were sent to Kent for Darwin’s experiments on the survival of seeds in saltwater. New members are always very welcome at the club. You don’t have to be an expert photographer; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real Come and learn about Henslow’s life, told through documents from Suffolk interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge Record Office, specimens from Cambridge University’s Museum of Zoology, cameras. Colchester and Ipswich Museums, Ipswich Borough Council collection, objects of curiosity from current villagers of Hitcham and items from our own If you are interested in becoming a member please email collection. The exhibition is open until April 2021 (Tues-Sun: 10am-4pm). [email protected] or visit our website. www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net www.eastanglianlife.org.uk 6 In Touch online: The KBB Centre is a family-run business based in Ipswich, designing, supplying unit on Elton Road Business Park. As the company grew, they moved to Lion and installing beautifully designed kitchens, bathrooms and fitted bedrooms. Barn Industrial Estate in Needham Market and finally to Dales Road, where Owned and managed by brothers Roger and Patrick Peck, with over 60 years in 2009, Ipswich Town footballer Fabian Wilnis officially opened the new KBB combined industry knowledge they have built up the business over the last showroom. 16 years with hard work, long hours, determination and an eye for detail. The KBB Centre is now one of the largest independent kitchen and bathroom retailers in the area. KBB’s stunning showroom has over 5,000 square feet of kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms on display. Using in-house plumbers, plasterers and electricians, and boasting a wealth of essential building knowledge, KBB can offer a unique, fully managed service. The KBB team prides itself on its customer service and believes that the best form of advertising is word of mouth.

The brothers have followed closely in the footsteps of their family tradition. The story of KBB began in the early 1970s with Roger and Patrick’s late father, Alan Peck who opened his first home improvement business in Ipswich. Star Lines sold a variety of home improvement furnishings, eventually specialising in kitchens and bathrooms, AND will always be remembered for its catchy advertising jingle, with many locals singing ‘Let’s go down to Star Lines’ to the The brothers are passionate about Suffolk and the community that they tune of Mike Oldfield’s In Dulce Jublio. live in. Heavily involved in local grassroots sports, they are well known for sponsoring youth teams and grassroots festivals throughout the county and Both Roger and Patrick worked at Star Lines during their youth, and although enjoy encouraging children to partake in sports and helping them reach their they went on to do other things in the industry throughout the years, they potential. They believe that grassroots festivals are a great way to get children came back to their roots and established KBB in 2003, working out of a small either doing what they already love or trying something new, especially in this day and age of computer games and technology. Carrying on their family tradition the brothers strive to encourage people to shop local and support their independent businesses. They say: “The kitchen and bathroom industry has changed immensely since the Star Lines days. There is now so much competition from chain stores and online shopping. We believe buying locally from local people is so important. Our knowledge and our personal customer service is from people who really care and have been in the local industry for many years. It makes a huge difference to where and how you shop”

Thank you to all our customers, staff and suppliers. We could not have made it through 2020 without you. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

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8 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT

ELMSWELL LOCAL HISTORY GROUP this must proceed from the servants’ hall, where a great deal of revelry was permitted, and even encouraged by the Squire throughout the twelve days of Christmas, provided everything was done comfortably to ancient usage. Here were kept up the old games of hoodman blind, shoe the wild mare, hot cockles, steal the white loaf, bob apple and snapdragon: the Yule log and Christmas candle were regularly burnt, and the mistletoe hung up, to the imminent peril of all the pretty housemaids.” In Diary of a Country Parson, 1799- 1818, William Holland wrote that, apart from his presiding over two or more Christmas services in his different local parishes, he and his family were woken early in the morning by musicians, then held a kind of open house in their kitchen for various local people who were perhaps charity cases, as well as A REGENCY CHRISTMAS hosting a meal for friendly neighbours. As our planned talk on A Regency Christmas was not to be this year, we have The Christmas period generally was a time for widespread charity to the poor instead searched the archives to find out how these winter festivities would and it became traditional for Holland to give a gift to each person attending have been celebrated then. service. Going back to the Middle Ages, the traditional greenery of Christmas seems The English Regency, 1811-1820, was when the Prince of Wales ruled as proxy to have been retained by many during the Regency. Along with the aspects of Regent to his father, King George III, who was deemed unfit to rule due to his fire and light in the darkest days, evergreens were either symbols of eternal illness. The Regency would be a brilliant period in architecture and the arts as life or fertility, or both, but not brought into the home before Christmas Eve. witnessed by the opulent Brighton Royal Pavilion but the Prince himself was Mistletoe was the traditional plant with roots back into the Dark Ages and not highly regarded. Although a heavy drinker and compulsive gambler, he Druid magic, but mainly confined to the servants’ hall and cottage. was an enthusiastic patron of the arts, often depicted in caricature as ‘Prinny’ in contemporary publications. A traditional Christmas pantomime was present at this time, usually opening on Boxing Day. The famous clown, Joseph Grimaldi (1779-1837), regularly In Jane Austen’s Persuasion we performed in one at London’s Drury Lane theatre. are given a picture of one family’s Christmas, the main feature of which However, it was celebrated, Christmas in the Regency was Christmastide seems to be the return of schoolboys – Christmas Eve to Twelfth Night, 6th January – which marked the official for the holidays. She writes: end of Christmas. Twelfth Night itself seems to have been more celebrated than Christmas, with our now-traditional rich fruit Christmas cake not being “Immediately surrounding Mrs served until then. Musgrave were the little Harvilles, whom she was sedulously guarding It only remains for us to wish everyone an enjoyable and healthy Christmas, from the tyranny of the two children with as many of your family and friends as permitted under current from the Cottage, expressly arrived Government guidelines. cheers! to amuse them. On one side was a For further information about our history group, please visit our website or table occupied by some chattering contact our secretary, Stella Chamberlin on 01359 242601. girls, cutting up silk and gold paper; and on the other were trestles and www.elmswell-history.org.uk trays, bending under the weight of brawn and cold pies, where riotous boys were holding high revel; the whole completed by a roaring Christmas fire.” The yule log was brought in on Christmas Eve and was expected to last until Twelfth Night, this being a clear remnant from the pre-Christian festival of Yule, the midwinter ceremony of fire and light. Although most Regency fireplaces would not have been big enough for a real yule log, Austen reminds us that the connection of Christmas with a roaring fire was alive and well. Christmas carols do not seem to have been popular in the Regency but, if sung at all then, it was in church as hymns. The other sort of singing was the wassail, where groups would go around to houses singing what were usually frank begging songs, hoping for some food, drink and money. Washington Irving’s Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent depicted a widespread movement to revive traditional Christmas celebrations. He describes Squire Bracebridge inviting the traveller to spend an old-fashioned Christmas at his family home, and writes: “My father prides himself upon keeping up something of old English hospitality; he is a strenuous advocate for the revival of the old rural games and holiday observances. As we approached the house, we heard the sound of music, and now and then a burst of laughter from one end of the building; www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 9 OUT & ABOUT

WOOLPIT & DISTRICT MUSEUM HAUGHLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION The museum is now closed for the winter but we hope to open again at Easter Chairman: Mr Tim Hart next year, Covid-19 restrictions permitting. Hopefully, you will then come and Vice Chairman: Mr Roy Buttle see the originals of the photographs featured in our recent In Touch articles. Secretary: Mr Lewis Van Slyke Email: [email protected] Remembrance was very different but memorable in its own way. On Sunday 8 December, the siren was sounded at 10.59am by Kerion Palmer to announce the two-minute silence when many stood on their doorsteps while others stood on the village green near the silhouettes and wreaths were laid at the war memorial. We were reminded again on Armistice Day by the siren sounding and many people once again stood on their doorsteps. As we walked to the memorial, the area by the silhouettes was extremely busy and, as requested, Roy and Margaret joined Haughley Crawfords Primary School for their service and wreath laying as their school service had also been cancelled. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Next year will be a special one as we get closer to updating the war memorial and the surrounding area.

This month’s picture is a postcard, one of a series published in the first decade Roy’s Thought for the Month of the 20th century by F. G. Pawsey & Co. Ltd. of . It shows the As Christmas comes this year it is for us all to ensure that it view looking west along Woolpit Street. In some respects, little has changed brings good cheer and that the children are blessed with happiness in the last 110 years and anyone familiar with Woolpit today will recognise as we look forward to a happy 2021 and the future. the buildings and the skyline. Vacancy: We are looking for a new treasurer. If you are able to fill this position, On the right is Weaver House at the corner of Masons Lane and on the left the please contact us. sign of The Bull public house still hangs in the same place. The pavement on Due to the current pandemic meetings are currently on hold. To view our the right is still very narrow but there is now a pavement on the left as well. latest newsletter or our full calendar of events go to: Walking in the road was clearly less hazardous then than it is today and the www.britishlegion.org/branches/Haughley parked vehicle was probably quite an unusual sight. The large tree is in full leaf suggesting, along with all the open windows, that the photograph was taken in the summer and The White House just beyond is largely obscured. STOWMARKET RAMBLERS DEC 2020 I always wonder who the people are when I see pictures like this and whether As you know, no group activities, including group sports, are permitted at they were posed by the photographer or just happened to be passing by. The the moment. However, you may still go out for a walk, run or ride with those young girl in the foreground is walking along very purposefully and maybe it people with whom you live or with a friend. If you are struggling to find a is her mother standing in the doorway just behind. The person pushing the suitable route or would like a change of routine, then where better to look for perambulator could be going to visit Masons Stores and the man and woman information than the Discover Suffolk website: on the left seem to be stopping for a chat. www.discoversuffolk.org.uk/explore-suffolk What fun it is to speculate and, at a time when so much of what we can do The site gives detailed instructions for many routes of various lengths across is restricted, how lucky we are to be able to walk around such an interesting the county, mostly for walkers but also for cyclists and for horse riders and attractive village. too. Suffolk County Council’s Green Access Team is always investigating more routes to add to the site, so even if you downloaded a route a few years ago Rita Burr it’s still worth taking a look to see if there’s another route that appeals.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES FOR IGLOOS

For several weeks, Mr and Mrs Penguin have been thinking about selling generated would now have on the igloo their igloo. They have lived there for many years, and whilst it was going itself. A steady stream of drips became a to be a big upheaval, Mrs Penguin eventually concluded it was the right gush, and then… oh dear! thing to do. Mr and Mrs Penguin are now not going to be Mr Penguin didn’t know much about selling the igloo, but one thing he selling their igloo after all, but they do have did know was that he needed an Energy Performance Certificate, and a nice new pond if anyone is interested! this would be all about how energy efficient it was. A few days later, a Gudgeons Prentice would like to wish all our clients and the people we very nice polar bear came around and before Mr and Mrs Penguin could work with a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. pack their first box, it was ready. Sadly, though, Mr and Mrs Penguin’s igloo was not very energy efficient and came out at the lowest rating possible. Knowing that this was not good, they soon set about putting in place all sorts of energy-efficient measures – new light bulbs, insulation, and a brand-new top of the range central heating boiler. Buttermarket, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1ED “Great!”, thought Mr Penguin, hopeful now of an improved rating. Sadly Telephone: 01449 613101 • Fax: 01449 615087 though, he hadn’t quite thought through the effect all the extra heat Email: [email protected]

10 In Touch online:

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 11 OUT & ABOUT

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Although we have not had club meetings for many months, and have missed seeing wonderful arrangements by talented demonstrators, some of our members have been working quietly behind the scenes to keep members in touch. We now have our own Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/650240562271708/?ref=share We hope this will encourage members to add photographs of their gardens and arrangements they have made and encourage new people to join us. Meanwhile, remember that being in the garden and the open-air (if it’s not raining!) is good for our mental health, which we certainly need to take care of at this very difficult time. Happy gardening!

STOWMARKET BRIDGE CLUB Top-four finishes during the last month in the weekly online Wednesday competitions have been achieved by Nancy Williams, Sekhar Pillai & Andy Billinge, Bim & Sam Wilson and John Garbutt & Norman Less. To add to the established Wednesday evenings, a Monday competition is currently being organised. If you haven’t tried online bridge, help is available to get you started. We are always keen to welcome new members. For more information please see our website or contact: Andy Billinge: [email protected] / 07815 101513 Arthur Winchester: 01449 612105 www.bridgewebs.com/stowmarket

GREEN LIGHT FOR COUNCILS’ BIODIVERSITY VISION Councillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk have approved their first Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and strengthen biodiversity, supporting the councils’ carbon neutral aims. The plan was developed by a cross-party Biodiversity Task Force, supported by experts. It is the product of biodiversity emergency motions passed by both councils in 2019. Its approval is a key step towards achieving the councils’ ambitions to protect and enhance the environment and links to their Joint Carbon Reduction Management Plan. Headline commitments include: • Developing a wildlife network map to help identify and create important wildlife corridors, and tree and hedge planting areas, enhancing connectivity and improving the management of existing and future Local Nature Reserves and wildlife sites in the district • Planting wildflower meadow verges and changing strict grass cutting regimes where suitable; encouraging bees and insects • Working with town and parish councils and local communities to identify areas where trees and hedges can be planted • Increasing hedge planting through the DEFRA Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant scheme and, where possible, helping to fund planting which isn’t eligible • Developing a Supplementary Planning Document linked to the Joint Local Plan to strengthen biodiversity protections and set out the districts’ expectations for design, landscaping and open space elements of new developments • Exploring the possibility of a green burial site Residents are also being encouraged to take action, however small, to increase biodiversity in their communities. This includes things such as installing bird and bat boxes, planting flowers to attract bees, creating hedgehog corridors, and being biodiversity-conscious when gardening. 12 In Touch online: SPORT / CHURCH NEWS

STOWMARKET CRICKET CLUB ELMSWELL BAPTIST CHURCH Our shortened season finished on a very wet note as Stowmarket hosted the By now we were hoping to reopen our church for Sunday worship but local Two Counties grand final between Walsham and Woolpit on October lockdown mark two has scuppered our plans, so we continue with services 5. Unfortunately, both our teams fell just short of making division one and on Zoom. Watch this space to find out when we are able to open again. two grand finals but enjoyed a successful season where the following led Sadly, in October, Stephen and Jenny Spurgeon left our fellowship to move batting, bowling or and fielding achievements: onto pastures new. They have been offering pastoral oversight to us for the • Kevin Holland scored 171 runs at 28.50 and Kierran Haynes took eight last 18 years, travelling from their home in Ipswich to be with us for services wickets at 34.00 for the First X1. and fellowship. We will miss them greatly and thank them for their service, wishing them all the best for the future. • Andy Holding scored 114 runs at 57.00 and Luc Winter (under-16) took 10 wickets at 23.60 for the Second X1. So here we are in lockdown once more, hopefully for only a month this time. We were so fortunate last time that the weather was so kind to us, enabling • Paul Blake and Michael Ives both took six catches; Clive Witherly made us to get out in our gardens in the warm spring and early summer sunshine. four stumpings. It’s not so inviting now as winter draws ever closer but we must not get too As well as putting out two sides on Saturdays in the Two Counties competition downhearted. The month will soon pass and a vaccination may be available and playing in the local T20 league, the club has been accepted into the Hunts in the not too distant future. Bats Sunday League for next season. Our Zoom services for the month of December will be led by members of our fellowship. Contact Tony on 01359 241541 for the code and password if you If you have recently moved to the area or would like a new challenge, why not wish to join us. Our deacons remain hopeful that we will be able to open the give the wonderful game of cricket a try at a friendly club that plays on one of church for services once the latest lockdown is over. For the time being wear the best surfaces in the county and welcomes players of all abilities and ages? a mask, keep the two-metre space, wash your hands and hopefully we will Provisional details of winter nets will be released soon. beat this pesky virus. For further information, please contact Clive Witherly: For any further information about our activities contact Tony on the above 01359 240019 / [email protected] number or go to our website: www.elmswellbaptist.org.uk www.stowmarket.play-cricket.com / Facebook Keep well and stay safe, Dave Hollings

ST ANDREW’S NORTON & ST ANDREW’S TOSTOCK Part of the Benefice of Pakenham, Norton & Tostock, with Great Ashfield, Hunston & Stowlangtoft Rector: Revd Katherine Valentine Make your own Christingle! 01359 235095 / [email protected] Christingle Service, December 6, 10am at Pakenham For more details of all our churches, including Norton & Tostock, see the In aid of The Children’s Society national Church of England website:www.achurchnearyou.com Due to social distancing, it will be difficult to make Christingles together Our benefice magazine is also available online at: www.vcnews.org.uk in church, so we invite you to make your own at home. This means you can choose your favourite sweets! Bring them to church and candles will be CHURCH NEWS DECEMBER 2020 provided for you to complete them. Don’t know what a Christingle is? Find Benefice Church Services & Opening Times out more at: www.childrenssociety.org.uk Please find below details of the services we plan to hold in December, Outdoor Carols at St Andrew’s with the Salvation Army Band including some special Christmas services (if places of worship are permitted to re-open for services). All our services have hygiene protocols in place so Sunday 20 December, 3pm at St Andrew’s Norton we can enjoy worshipping together safely. Norton, Tostock and Pakenham It’s St Andrew’s turn to host the Village Carol Service this year will continue to be open for private prayer on Sundays and Wednesdays from but - due to distancing restrictions - we are holding a shortened outdoor 10am to 4pm, and Great Ashfield on Sundays only from 10am to 4pm. version instead. Wrap up warm, bring your own chair and mince pies, and come to enjoy the music and celebrate the joy of Christmas together DECEMBER 2020 SERVICES as a village. All are welcome to come and listen to the band and a small Wednesday 2 10am Holy Communion (BCP), Norton choir singing your favourite carols. The church will be decorated for Sunday 6 10am Family@Church – Christingle, Pakenham Christmas if anyone wants to go in for private prayer before or afterwards. A collection will be held for EACH. Wednesday 9 10am Holy Communion (BCP), Pakenham Safety precautions in our buildings Sunday 13 10am Morning Worship, Norton As you enter the building please use your own hand sanitisers if possible but, Wednesday 16 10am Holy Communion (BCP), Tostock if not, sanitisers are available in the church. Please replace them afterwards. It’s important to respect other people’s space by keeping a one meter plus Sunday 20 10am Benefice Holy Communion, Great Ashfield distance and note that not all areas of the church may be accessible. Please 3pm Outdoor Carols at St Andrew’s with the follow distancing and safety notices inside each building, including the Salvation Army Band (see below), Norton wearing of face coverings. 3pm Carols and Readings, Stowlangtoft Church services are also still available for you to join remotely via the Christmas Eve, December 24 3pm Crib Service, Tostock Cathedral website – https://stedscathedral.org – and the Bishops are live 11.30pm Midnight Communion, Norton streaming Daily Prayer which you can link to this via the Diocesan website: www.cofesuffolk.org Christmas Day, December 25 10am Family Festival Communion, Hunston Our benefice YouTube channel is still running with a weekly reflection for you 10am Family Festival Communion, Pakenham to watch and join in with. Go to YouTube and search for ‘Pakenham Benefice’ 10am Crib Service, Great Ashfield where you should find the latest services, reflections and music. Sunday 27 10am Benefice Holy Communion, Tostock Revd Katherine Valentine www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 13 CHURCH NEWS

NORTON SALVATION ARMY CORPS This Christmas, much like the rest of 2020, will not look like it usually does! Every Christmas for 135 years, our brass band has spread the Christmas message. Our church members and volunteers have helped gather gifts for families and individuals who might, otherwise, go without presents under their trees. This supplements our year-long programme of food and friendship for the elderly, toddler groups for young families, children’s activities, as well as our regular worshiping community. Well, what a year this has been! Twelve months ago, who would have predicted that 2020 would have turned out as it has? This Christmas we are unable to take our band out in the same way, and we are limited in the programme we can provide, but we are still I saw this recently, “Before I agree to 2021, I need to see some terms and here to share God’s love with the people in our community. This is conditions” but, in reality, none of us knows what the next day will bring, let only made possible by the generosity of our members and the general alone a whole year! public. For this, we are very grateful. As we look forward to Christmas and hope that we will be able to meet As a result of the current crisis, many more families and individuals with family and friends, let’s remember that Christmas is a key time in the need additional support. We have been able to provide emergency Christian calendar when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. food parcels and much more to people in our community and Christmas I was reflecting on the fact that Jesus’ birth was predicted in the Old Testament will be no different – we will likely be busier than ever. Our fundraising of the Bible hundreds of years before He was born. Even more detail was capability is greatly diminished but if you feel this is something you given to Mary and Joseph to prepare them for this momentous event. They would like to help us with this year, we thank you! You can donate by were even told what His name would be: “you are to give him the name Jesus, visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nortonsa-christmas because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew chapter 1v21). If you feel we may be able to support you in some way, please get That is why Christmas is so significant. Despite all the uncertainties we are in touch. facing, and will continue to face, this is something that is certain. The Bible We may not be able to meet together as a body of believers but we are teaches that Jesus came from heaven as part of God’s eternal plan, in order united in celebrating the gift that God sent to us that first Christmas. to make it possible for us, through faith in Jesus, to have confidence that we So, throughout December, we will be exploring the gifts of hope, can have peace with God, and a certain future with Him in heaven. This is the peace, joy and love before we celebrate the coming of the Light of the best Christmas present ever. World on Christmas Day. You are welcome to share with us in worship online each week throughout December. With all presents we are given, we still have to decide whether to accept them. We can just ignore them and leave them wrapped up. Why not take Additionally, we hope to worship in our building with Norton Baptist time to take time to unwrap God’s gift to us and receive the new life and Church on Christmas Day at 10.30am. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we confidence for the future that Jesus offers? ask that you pre-book as we have limited capacity. Please contact us for more information. Since the lockdown, we have been meeting via online video calls, which is a great way of seeing each other and keeping in touch. If you would like to In the meantime, if you would like to be kept up to date with what join in with our 10.30am Sunday services, please ask and I can send you an is happening at Norton Salvation Army, please follow us on Facebook invitation. (@NortonSalvationArmy). Please be assured of our prayers and our commitment to live out the kingdom of God in Norton. We are also planning to meet at Woolpit Room for Monday Meet on December 14 at 2.30pm, and on Sunday 20 December at 4pm for our Christmas service. The Salvation Army, Woolpit Road, Norton IP31 3LU No doubt, it will be very different from last year but you are very welcome to 01359 231770 / 07341 571589 join with us. Please contact us beforehand as we must ensure that we follow [email protected] current government guidelines. www.nortonsalvationarmy.org.uk Phil Sparkes 01359 240502 / [email protected]

14 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

Breakfast Church 3rd Sunday of the month 9am at St John’s, Elmswell

ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ELMSWELL regroup. Whatever the reason, whatever the need, you are welcome at this service and we hope that you will find space and hope through it. Hello from St John’s, Do send the rector any photos of your Christmas trees or decorations If you’d like to know about our church, please get in touch or visit: (you are welcome to appear in them too) by December 16 and we will www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk / Facebook include them during the final carol in the Elmswell Village Carol Service on December 20. The Rev Peter Goodridge: 01359 240512 / [email protected] Details of our December Services Season’s greetings from St John’s. Please check our website nearer the time as these are subject to lockdown restrictions. Sunday 6 December 10.30am Online Christingle Service Pick up a candle and cocktail sticks from the church porch, but please supply your own oranges, tin foil and fruit/sweets. Sunday 13 December 9.30am Sunday School via Zoom. Contact us for details. 10.30am Service in church and streamed live on Facebook. View on our website from noon. Sunday 20 December 9.30am Sunday School via Zoom. Contact us for details. 10.30am Service in church and streamed live on Facebook. View on our website from noon. November was a month of mixed emotions. Early on we found ourselves back 6.30pm Elmswell Village Carol Service streamed on Facebook, in lockdown and unable to gather in person (even at a social distance). At St St John’s website and YouTube. John’s we had to quickly alter the plans for Remembrance Sunday, converting Monday 21 December it from being a service in church to being online only. I hope we did this 3pm The Longest Night, reflective carol service in church important occasion justice. We received good feedback as people were still with the opportunity to light a candle. able to join together to remember the sacrifices made by so many for us. Christmas Eve However, November also brought news that there is now light at the end of 3.30pm St John’s Nativity streamed on Facebook, the tunnel as vaccines may start to be rolled out by the New Year. As we head St John’s website and YouTube. into the Christmas season, we will all continue to be filled with a cocktail of 11pm Late Night Communion in church emotions – anxiety, exhaustion, frustration set against hope and optimism for a better future. As a Christian, I find comfort by looking to the light who Christmas Day came into the world at Christmas, knowing that Jesus is the true hope for 10am Short service using Zoom. Contact us for Zoom details. the world. Sunday 27 December Due to the mix of emotions we are experiencing, it is only right that St John’s 10.30am Service in church and streamed live on Facebook. put on a mix of events this Christmas. We will certainly be promoting the View on our website from noon. good news, joy, optimism and hope that Christ brings in the special Elmswell Tuesdays and Thursdays (up until 17 December) Village Online Carol Service on December 20 and in our online Nativity 8pm Night Prayer streamed on Facebook on Christmas Eve, balanced alongside a more sober service in church on December 21 called The Longest Night. You see, Christmas always seems to www.stjohnselmswell.org.uk be accompanied by jolly songs, ringing tills and the expectation that you will www.facebook.com/stjohnselmswell have a good time but that’s not how it feels for many people. Maybe you have found the past year hard and Christmas seems to highlight the difficulties. YouTube: Accessed via our website home page Or maybe, in an overly busy life, you just want space to reflect, recall and Zoom: Contact us for the details

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/elmswell 15